[Raphael narrows his gaze at the both of them, irritation thinly veiled. This meeting may be done, but it is clear that he is not— for as inclined as he had been towards leniency for the student's sake, now his own pride had been made part of the equation.]
"For now. I'll be happy to remind the both of you of this exchange when your insistence on inflexibility brings forth consequences, Professor Steinbeck."
[He has no doubt that there will be retaliation in the way of pulled funding, but he'll not harp on that now. He reaches for his bag and rises to his feet, looking none too pleased with the situation, and his gaze comes to rest steadily on Dr. Dekarios for what feels like a few moments too long.
He knows full well precisely which rumors the astrophysicist had been implying.]
"As for you, Dr. Dekarios, I would take great care when it comes to putting that nose of yours where it doesn't belong. Don't think I don't know a threat when I hear one. You're the youngest professor this university has ever seen on the tenure-track, I believe. It would be a terrible shame if something were to get in your way when you're so very close."
[Gale smiles thinly, and it lacks any of his usual warmth; though it takes effort, he has no interest in allowing himself to appear intimidated, and holds tightly to his composure.]
I suggest that all involved keep their noses clean, then. I can't say I'm particularly worried.
[Raphael looks at him a moment longer before letting out a brief, ominous 'hm' and turning to take his leave, leaving the two professors in his wake as the door of the café closes behind him.
The moment he's gone, Gale exhales soundly, seeming to deflate as his shoulders drop and that steely resolve fades away, immediately softening him. He looks to Amelia, apologetic.]
You did the right thing, standing your ground. I apologize for interfering— I realize you're fully capable of fighting your own battles, but the audacity of that man, threatening your position when he didn't have a gods bedamned leg to stand on.
[That anger of his hasn't entirely faded after all, his brow furrowed.]
no subject
[He has no doubt that there will be retaliation in the way of pulled funding, but he'll not harp on that now. He reaches for his bag and rises to his feet, looking none too pleased with the situation, and his gaze comes to rest steadily on Dr. Dekarios for what feels like a few moments too long.
He knows full well precisely which rumors the astrophysicist had been implying.]
[Gale smiles thinly, and it lacks any of his usual warmth; though it takes effort, he has no interest in allowing himself to appear intimidated, and holds tightly to his composure.]
I suggest that all involved keep their noses clean, then. I can't say I'm particularly worried.
[Raphael looks at him a moment longer before letting out a brief, ominous 'hm' and turning to take his leave, leaving the two professors in his wake as the door of the café closes behind him.
The moment he's gone, Gale exhales soundly, seeming to deflate as his shoulders drop and that steely resolve fades away, immediately softening him. He looks to Amelia, apologetic.]
You did the right thing, standing your ground. I apologize for interfering— I realize you're fully capable of fighting your own battles, but the audacity of that man, threatening your position when he didn't have a gods bedamned leg to stand on.
[That anger of his hasn't entirely faded after all, his brow furrowed.]